So it looks like today is going to be a bit on the warmer side, with a good portion of the next week also running into the 80s, and accompanied by the possibility of thunderstorms. This is causing a bit of turmoil for my schedule, and will change some of the things I was planning to get to, including for this weekend.
Over the last week, woodchuck number 4 and 5 arrived, caused a fair bit of damage, and then seemingly disappeared. This is an odd occurrence, as their arrival was quite late, as is their current absence. They may still be here and appear again at any time, but so far, trapping has been unsuccessful (Note – the woodchucks this year seem to prefer apple over cantaloupe, should you need to deal with them). I suppose I’ll find out if they’re still here by locating sudden, extensive damage to an area of the field. I did also trap and eliminate a skunk that was attempting to get into the laying chicken enclosure.
The crops in the field are doing pretty well thus far. Irrigation has been called for on an almost daily basis this past week. As much as I don’t like having to deal with thunderstorms, the accompanying rain will be helpful right now.
The Peppers and Eggplant are coming along nicely, and I’m pretty sure I saw a few hot peppers that looked ready to pick. The Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cabbage are not doing as well, so I have no idea when, or if they will be ready. There will be a gap of at least a week before I can harvest any more of my own Sweet Corn, and it will still be on the smaller side due to the plants stunting from springtime cold. Potatoes will not be dug until next week.
As far as general operations go, I will be processing Broiler Chickens again this week. These will be the last fresh ones from the early round of chickens, with there being a gap of at least three, maybe four weeks until I’ll have fresh ones again. Frozen whole and half chickens are also available.
For the flower lovers, Gladiolus are now blooming in larger numbers, and I’m doing what I can to keep Field Flower bunches available. The types of Sunflowers I planted this year are also doing well, usually with multiple types available.
I think that’s about it for this update. Thanks very much for helping support the farm. Hope you all have a wonderful week.